In a world where conflict arises from ethnic and religious differences, Myanmar is not often a name that is brought up, but perhaps represents one of the most complicated and longest cases of ongoing ethnic conflict in a country. Today, due to the internal ethnic conflict, it is estimated that almost one-and-a-half million people…

By Erin Peake Christopher Nepwort University is full of young activists who want to do their part in helping the world bit by bit. Philanthropy, charity, awareness building, research, and many other examples demonstrate the way in which CNU students are actively becoming leaders in their community, country, and world. The Reiff Center at…

A quick author’s note: Dear reader, This article is a recap a discussion hosted by the Reiff Center and the Rumi forum about the Mediterranean refugee crisis. Amongst other topics in this article, I will be mentioning the Islamic State. However, from this point on, I will be referring to the Islamic State only…

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Reiff Center For Human Rights and Conflict Resolution or Christopher Newport University. The Reiff Center recently had the pleasure of co-hosting the Second Annual Conference on Social Movements and Democracy. This broad topic…

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Reiff Center For Human Rights and Conflict Resolution or Christopher Newport University. As anyone who has watched the primary debates knows, political positions are often magnified during presidential campaigns. Candidates differentiate themselves from…

Special Contribution by Christopher Newport University Junior, Nathan Sieminski Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Reiff Center For Human Rights and Conflict Resolution or Christopher Newport University. Background Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa currently face one…

I remember when I was much younger that fall always marked a time of change and festivity. In elementary school, I recall drawing pumpkins, making hand turkeys, and hearing about the same stories that were at the core of the American mythos. Dashing heroes down on their luck, which were able to rise to…

One of the most controversial events following the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges was without a doubt county clerk Kim Davis’ refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Rowan County, Kentucky. Davis, after defying a federal court order to issue marriage licenses, spent five days in jail for refusing to…

Images of men crouching with machine guns. Pictures of lifeless bodies in villages. Child soldiers, warlords, and massive carnage. Chances are, these are probably some of the first things you think of when you hear about the Congo. The DR Congo or Democratic Republic of Congo seems to be rife with human rights issues….

For better or for worse, in an international system, outcomes in one state can have far reaching consequences. This is especially prevalent in Italy as I witnessed first hand last semester (as a study abroad student) of how refugees can effect state policies. Although refugees have continued to come from the Middle East for…